Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder has offered reassurance that England full-back Ben Foden will soon return.
Foden was unavailable for Northampton's loss against Gloucester after England's medical staff requested that he miss out due to ankle injury.
"I don't think it's going to be major. England just requested he needs more time," said Mallinder to BBC Northampton.
"Ben will be the first to admit he has not been 100% since he came back. We've given him extra rest and rehab this week and I'm hopeful he will be playing for us next week.
"He's one of our best players. Of course I'd have liked him to play.
"But I understand where England are coming from and it's in the EPS (England Elite Playing Squad) period and therefore they have that shout."
Comments
bullitt says...
@NHsaints - Speaking to bobs-brothers-step fathers-dog on Saturday, all is not rosy in the management and senior players have lost interest because of it.
Posted 14:34 12th February 2013
Johnny_Guitar says...
I find it amazing how the guy who everyone lined up as the next great thing for England is now useless! Saints are having a rough time, agreed, so sack the coach?? I hope we get things sorted and back on track. (I'd also like the opportunity to play all of our first team players at the same time!!) Internationals, bans and injury have paid a heavy price.
Posted 09:07 12th February 2013
NHsaints says...
@bullitt I have no idea where that came from... Foden does need time to get back to his best then straight back into the England side with him, he's our best fullback and hell of alot better winger than Brown, which means things could work out really well for england back when he's in the back 3. I hope for his sake this injury (his first in years) doesn't stop him being selected for the lions tour.
Posted 16:04 11th February 2013
TVaddict says...
I hope they give him the proper time to get full fit, I hate it when you find out they've brought a player back while still carrying his injury. Well definitely need him for the summer as it's looking like at least one or maybe even both of Brown and Goode might go on the lions tour. So with Foden at fullback we can try some exciting wingers like Daly, May, Biggs and maybe Wade.
Posted 13:33 11th February 2013
bullitt says...
Question should be does Foden want to play for him?
Do any of "his" players want to play for him any more?
Posted 13:33 11th February 2013